Shadie Ray Whitehead looks at a family photo, and a radiant smile emerges on his face.

In the back row, on the left, stands a 13-time NFL Pro Bowl, a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the fiercest linebackers in the game.

Whitehead, a proud grandfather, has a future NFL Hall of Famer in his bloodlines.

Ray Lewis, who has been donning the Baltimore Ravens’ No. 52 jersey for the past 17 seasons, is preparing for the Super Bowl — his final game.

Whitehead will likely be in Charlotte, at his daughter’s home, watching his grandson win his second Lombardi Trophy.

“It’s quite a pleasure to have a guy like him as a grandson,” Whitehead said.

Whitehead was born in the Riverdale area near New Bern in August, 1935. At age 77, he spends most of his time between Charlotte and his property in Craven County.

He left New Bern for Wilmington when he was 18 years old. From there, he joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.

Following his military stint, Whitehead moved to New York, and lived there for more than 30 years. He returned to New Bern in 1978 when his father passed away.

Whitehead has owned property in New Bern for more than 30 years.

“I like New Bern, I always have,” Whitehead said. “I like Wilmington, and every place that I’ve lived, I liked it very much.”

Whitehead was not a part of his grandson’s life but he kept tabs on him. It wasn’t until the spring of 2008 when he finally met Ray Lewis face-to-face.

Lewis, who resides in Florida during the offseason, drove to Charlotte to see his father, Elbert Ray Whitehead.

Elbert Ray Whitehead, who was in and out of Lewis’ life, drove the two nearly six hours to New Bern. Whitehead talked to Lewis for the first time in person.

The meeting came a year after Whitehead had neck surgery.

“We stayed up all night and chatted. It was like any other family would do,” Whitehead said. “It was a big deal. That was the first time I had seen him. We had conversation all through while he was playing in college and getting drafted.”

According to a recent ESPN documentary on Lewis and his relationship with his father, Lewis speaks about five generations of father’s leaving their sons.

Whitehead said the relationship between Ray and his father have been mended following that trip to New Bern.

Page 2 of 2 -

“They have a great relationship,” Whitehead said. “(Elbert) is just like (Ray).”

Whitehead has seen Lewis, now at 37 years old, a few times since. He spent a week in Florida last July. Whitehead has nine grandchildren.

He’s seen two Ravens games in Charlotte, and another in Baltimore.

Lewis has six children of his own, a reason he decided to retire following the Super Bowl.

“He is a very good father,” Whitehead said. “He is very dedicated and responsible. He is a great father for them.”

Lewis, and the Ravens, will play the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3 in New Orleans.

Lewis was drafted by the Ravens in 1996 —the first draft after Baltimore relocated from Cleveland. He has become one of the elite players of all-time.

Lewis has 1,558 career tackles, 41.5 sacks and 31 interceptions.

“I saw the whole show, and it’s been very interesting,” Whitehead said. “He is a famous fellow and I watch all of his ballgames. We are family, so we call and chat just like any of my other grandkids.”

Whitehead said he remains in contact with Lewis, and makes a point to watch all his games.

“I’m a Ravens fan, of course, because of my grandson,” Whitehead said. “We are close. He is family.”

Adam Thompson can be reached at 252-635-5669 or at Adam.Thompson@newbernsj.com. Follow Adam on Twitter @Adam_matic.